NDSU Issued New Drought Forage Safety Guidance
North Dakota livestock operators should delay grazing or harvesting drought-stressed forage by up to 12 days after rainfall.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Agriculture
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North Dakota State University specialists have advised farmers to implement a seven to 12-day waiting period before grazing or harvesting drought-stressed forage following rain events. This precaution addresses the risk of nitrate spikes in crops that have undergone dry conditions.
Why it matters
Drought-stressed plants accumulate nitrates during dry periods, posing a significant risk of nitrate poisoning to livestock. Implementing this waiting period allows plants to process accumulated nitrates into proteins and amino acids, protecting herd health.
Only 50% of recent forage nitrate test results were deemed safe for general livestock feeding. The remaining half of tested samples require restricted feeding or exclusion from pregnant animals to avoid potential toxicity.
The players
North Dakota State University
A land-grant public research university that provides agricultural extension services and technical guidance to the state's farming sector.
The details
When dry weather stalls growth, plants continue absorbing nitrates from the soil without converting them into proteins, leading to harmful accumulation. Rain triggers a spike in these levels within two to three days as the plant attempts to restart growth, necessitating a recovery window. Producers should rely on testing to determine whether forage is safe for their specific herd requirements.
Timeline
Nitrate levels in forage plants may spike two to three days after a rain event.
A seven to 12-day recovery period is required before grazing or haying following rain.
Market Landscape
This guidance follows established protocols for monitoring nitrate toxicity in drought-impacted agricultural regions. The recommendation marks a departure from standard grazing schedules to account for the specific physiological response of drought-stressed crops to moisture.
Livestock owners should calendar a 12-day buffer following any rainfall to verify forage safety before moving cattle. Ensure all drought-stressed forage is tested, as half of the samples are currently unsuitable for unrestricted feeding.
The takeaway
Nitrate accumulation remains a high-risk factor that can jeopardize livestock safety even after rain provides relief. Producers should prioritize systematic testing and maintain the recommended 12-day waiting period to minimize herd health liabilities.
Further reading
For additional guidance on managing herd health and pasture conditions, visit Agriculture.
More information
View the complete NDSU information on nitrate spikes for detailed testing and management protocols.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Roundup.
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